Hello. In my opinion, I think the best way to lose the beer belly is to cut down on the alcohol and begin some form of regular exercise. Sit-ups are great for strengthening the stomach muscles and lower back, but they won’t eliminate the fat hiding the muscles. Try aerobic exercises, it's great in getting the heart pumping faster and also help you break into a sweat.
How to lose my Beer Belly? HELP!
- Thread starter eXiilez1
- Start date
Yeah I dont drink alcohol anyway. Legal drinking age here is 18 (Australia). I have been for about 3 odd months now been doing ALOT of different sit ups but it hasnt really done anything. Like I can feel the muscle behind the fat. I dont have a large pot belly. I can show a photo if it would help but I just thought I could stoop on the ab workouts and possibly Do 20-30 mins cardio a day and along with a bit of aerobics even when i got not idea what that is.. yet. As well as eating healthy food. Would I still get results doing that?
Superstar922
New member
It's true. You DON'T need to muscle train to lose weight. You can do JUST cardio/areobics and still lose weight. Would it be as effective as doing a combo of both? No. But it can still be accomplished.
And I'm telling you this from personal experience.
Superstar922
New member
KaraCooks,
I read maybe the first two paragraphs of that unnecessarily long post you just made, and I got bored.
So for the record i'll just say what I've been saying from the beginning--to most effectively lose weight, you need to a combo of cardio and strength training. Strength training won't get you there alone (unless maybe all you're looking to doing is tone up). So as I suggested before, add cardio into your workout regimen, and I'm sure that belly will go away in no time.
I will employ my methods of cardio AND weight training (as I did today, and I had a FABULOUS workout), you guys stick with whatever type of workout plan you think will work for you, and in the end we will see who is the success story. But based on what you guys are saying, I truly wish you the best of luck...b/c you're gonna need it.
I read maybe the first two paragraphs of that unnecessarily long post you just made, and I got bored.
So for the record i'll just say what I've been saying from the beginning--to most effectively lose weight, you need to a combo of cardio and strength training. Strength training won't get you there alone (unless maybe all you're looking to doing is tone up). So as I suggested before, add cardio into your workout regimen, and I'm sure that belly will go away in no time.
I will employ my methods of cardio AND weight training (as I did today, and I had a FABULOUS workout), you guys stick with whatever type of workout plan you think will work for you, and in the end we will see who is the success story. But based on what you guys are saying, I truly wish you the best of luck...b/c you're gonna need it.
Superstar922
New member
Finally, somebody gets it. ^^^
KaraCooks
New member
Superstar ... In your intro thread that you posted 4 days ago you said that you wanted to lose 20 pounds and you haven't been successful at all.
You talked about how you couldn't seem to figure out how to make it work.
You said - direct quote: "I have revised my weight loss strategy over and over again, to the point where i might need to see a therapist"
Then you said: "But my current weight loss goal I actually just put together last night and its a conglomerate of a bunch of tips and suggestions that I have acquired over months of doing dieting and weight loss research." (emphasis mine, so show that you're not working from a real plan, but stringing together a bunch of stuff you read on the internet)
You said you were going to do some crazy plan where you cut out entire food groups on M/W/F.
You said you were going to Master Cleanse on the weekend.
3 years ago I lost 80 lbs and I've kept it off. I have gained strength, gained stamina, and lost 5 clothing sizes.
You, on the other hand, can't figure out how to properly lose 20 lbs. And yet you insist that you know everything about losing weight and you are arguing with people that you are right and that you're not going to bother to read the "boring" and "unnecessarily long" posts that people make.
So ... whatever. I think in the end, we've SEEN who is the success story. When it comes to listening to people who give advice ... well, I'll let others make the choice of which one of us might know what they're talking about.
Good luck with your 20 lb loss.
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Superstar922
New member
My weight loss plan has started now--my official one. The previous attempts were obvious mistakes. This weekend started my weight loss attempt the right way. This is the plan that I'm putting to the test, the cardio and strength training workouts twice a week coupled with sensible eating habits. This is the plan that will get me results...that will last.
Just you wait and see.
Jericho
New member
Superstar,
You confuse me. It is unusual for someone to come wanting help with some obvious bad weight loss habits and then turn around and offer advice which might be accurate to you but doesn't fit the science. It also could just be HOW you put the advice..but some things you said (such as someone's post is too long to read) reminds me of someone recently banned. I think you need to remember respect. We all do. There is also the fact of experience. Kara has the experience. The best way to defend your position is not to be snide and DON'T just brush the other one off. We hope you do lose the weight but the comment that we are going to need the good luck to lose weight was uncalled for.
You confuse me. It is unusual for someone to come wanting help with some obvious bad weight loss habits and then turn around and offer advice which might be accurate to you but doesn't fit the science. It also could just be HOW you put the advice..but some things you said (such as someone's post is too long to read) reminds me of someone recently banned. I think you need to remember respect. We all do. There is also the fact of experience. Kara has the experience. The best way to defend your position is not to be snide and DON'T just brush the other one off. We hope you do lose the weight but the comment that we are going to need the good luck to lose weight was uncalled for.
Superstar922
New member
Because you are seriously trying to argue we me the fact that cardio and strength training are together the best results for losing weight?? If you don't agree we that, then YOU prove me otherwise.
Previously, I never employed these methods and that is why I have failed in losing weight. But i can guarantee you that if i employ these methods i have stated, I will be successful. (and it's not that i'm overweight, I've always been within a healthy weight range for my height and age; so I guess that's why i never really felt like pushing myself the extra mile and go workout for 2hours)
All I ever suggested was that the person who created this post should also incorporate cardio into his workout regimen. What the hell is wrong with that??
And if it came off as harsh, it wasn't intended, but how can you really dispute these facts? Cardio + strength training = better weight loss results. And if I'm wrong then please prove it to me!
KaraCooks
New member
*sigh* Nobody is disputing that.
What we are disputing is your incorrect information that cardio removes fat and weight lifting keeps it off, that muscle replaces fat, that if one wants to lose fat they should favor cardio over strength training/weight lifting, and all the other incorrect information and myths that you have posted.
It's amusing to watch the way your point of view has mutated to say exactly the things we have been posting all along ... and then for you to insist that this is what you meant from the beginning.
There is nothing wrong with saying "I misunderstood, but I get it now ... thanks for the information." Instead you're so determined that you're NOT wrong, that you're changing your story with every post.
No, what you suggested was this: You need to burn the fat off your belly (and other areas, of course) with cardio, THEN tone up with strength training.
Here's another example:
You don't have to workout for 2 hours in order to get results. I predict that at some point, you'll be insisting that you never said anyone has to work out for 2 hours and that we're all too stupid to understand what you really meant.
This is really amusing, in a frustrating sort of way.
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Superstar922
New member
*sigh* Nobody is disputing that.
What we are disputing is your incorrect information that cardio removes fat and weight lifting keeps it off, that muscle replaces fat, that if one wants to lose fat they should favor cardio over strength training/weight lifting, and all the other incorrect information and myths that you have posted.
It's amusing to watch the way your point of view has mutated to say exactly the things we have been posting all along ... and then for you to insist that this is what you meant from the beginning.
There is nothing wrong with saying "I misunderstood, but I get it now ... thanks for the information." Instead you're so determined that you're NOT wrong, that you're changing your story with every post.
No, what you suggested was this: You need to burn the fat off your belly (and other areas, of course) with cardio, THEN tone up with strength training.
Here's another example:
You don't have to workout for 2 hours in order to get results. I predict that at some point, you'll be insisting that you never said anyone has to work out for 2 hours and that we're all too stupid to understand what you really meant.
This is really amusing, in a frustrating sort of way.
Okay stop it!
I never said to favor cardio over strength traning and I've continually said that i never said that!! Oh my gosh, if I had a dollar for every time I've said that .....
And didn't I already say that you are saying the same thing as me?!?!!
What is your problem? Never mind this whole debate, what the hell is your problem? You haven't said anything substantial to me, but criticize what I have to say. And your damn right I'm going to stick by what I have to say.
P.S. I work out for 2 hours, but when did I ever say that that is what everybody else should do? You see what you're doing?
Cardio does burn off fat. It may not be the only thing it burns off, that I don't know, but i know it burns fat, esp when dieting and your at a calorie deficit, it resorts to fat for energy. So YES, cardio does burn fat, and I will stick to that statement. Strength training, in addition, builds the muscle that is underneath the fat to strengthen (hence strength training) it, whereas even for some time after working out, it'll continue to burn calories--something cardio DOES NOT do (tho for some reason you seem to think I said it does). That is how the two work TOGETHER. And i have been saying this from the very beginning. You on the other hand haven't made single argument except question me..."What's the proof of this?" "Where does it say that?" "You're wrong!" Blah blah blah...
Since you're now a self-proclaimed "expert" after losing so much weight, you tell me what it is you did to drop those pounds. I would really love to know...
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KaraCooks
New member
You said this (direct quote): You need to burn the fat off your belly (and other areas, of course) with cardio, THEN tone up with strength training.
I have, actually, but you told me that you found it "unnecessarily long" and "too boring" to read, so you skipped it.
I started by cutting out packaged and processed foods, junk food, etc., and eating real, whole foods. I increased the amount of veggies, lean meat, low fat dairy, and made sure that I was eating whole grains over simple carbs. I began eating a healthy breakfast every day (either oats and fruit or yogurt and fruit).
I increased my protein to 1g per pound of lean body weight (for me that's about 130g per day) and aimed for a macro balance of 40/35/25 (thats carbs/protein/fat).
I then began tracking my food every day, starting out at around 2000 calories, lowering to 1800 calories, and settling now at 1600 calories to lose the remainder of the weight I want to lose.
I worked with a professional trainer to develop a proper exercise plan that included 3 days of weight training (lifting heavy and incorporating a lot of full body work) and filled in around that with cardio, to increase my caloric burn.
That's what I did to drop those pounds.
I never called myself an expert. Ever. I am not an expert. I am not a professional trainer or nutritionist. I'm always VERY clear about that here because I never want to mislead people into thinking that I have any medical or educational training in this. What I am is someone who has done a LOT of research and successfully lost and maintained a loss of 80+ lbs for 3 years. People may choose to follow my advice or not - but I want them to know that my advice comes from experience and research - REAL research, not just pulling information off the Internet and parroting it back on a forum.
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Jericho
New member
Ok both sides should step back and count to ten. Let's just get something clear.
Regular aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise includes activities such as walking, bicycling and swimming. As a general goal, include at least 30 minutes of physical activity in your daily routine. If you want to lose weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to increase your activity even more. If you can't set aside time for a longer workout, try 10-minute chunks of activity throughout the day. Remember, the more active you are, the greater the benefits.
Strength training. Strength training exercises, such as weightlifting, are important because they help counteract muscle loss associated with aging. And since muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue does, muscle mass is a key factor in weight loss.
Good? Good. Now both sides, stop snipping at each other like children and let's move on
Regular aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise includes activities such as walking, bicycling and swimming. As a general goal, include at least 30 minutes of physical activity in your daily routine. If you want to lose weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to increase your activity even more. If you can't set aside time for a longer workout, try 10-minute chunks of activity throughout the day. Remember, the more active you are, the greater the benefits.
Strength training. Strength training exercises, such as weightlifting, are important because they help counteract muscle loss associated with aging. And since muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue does, muscle mass is a key factor in weight loss.
Good? Good. Now both sides, stop snipping at each other like children and let's move on
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KaraCooks
New member
Ok, I'm really trying to make this productive for anyone who is still following this who is interested:
Cardio burns calories. Period. Calories are energy. If you are in a calorie deficit, then the energy you need to run your body has to come from somewhere, and so your body will use the energy stored in your fat and muscle to fuel itself. If you are eating at your maintenance level and you add in cardio, it can kick you into a calorie deficit, and therefore you will lose weight (again, fat and muscle). But it's not the CARDIO that burns fat. It's the deficit.
I realize that you may think this is a word game ... but it's not. It's crucial to understanding why some people might not lose weight, even though they work out a lot and do a lot of cardio.
Cardio in and of itself does not burn fat. To say it does is misleading and wrong.
In fact you can burn fat w/out ever doing cardio. You can burn fat by simply reducing your calories. You can burn fat by doing weight lifting only. You can burn fat by doing bodyweight exercises only. You can burn fat by doing everything in combination.
Again ... being in a calorie deficit causes your body to draw on energy reserves to burn fat. Whether you get that calorie deficit from eating less, from cardio, from weight lifting, or from a combination of all three is immaterial. It's the calorie deficit that counts.
Beyond that there are other applications to eating properly (balancing macros to skew the proportions towards fat loss and away from muscle loss), adding in weight lifting and strength training (also helping to maintain lean muscle and skewing the results towards fat loss), and cardio (increasing the caloric burn overall to increase the calorie deficit).
I am not posting this to be argumentative or to piss you off. I am posting this because it is crucial to understand the difference between "cardio burns fat" and "cardio burns calories". They are not the same thing.
This is a misunderstanding of how cardio *can* help burn fat. Cardio in and of itself does not burn fat. You can do cardio and eat too many calories and not burn fat.
Cardio burns calories. Period. Calories are energy. If you are in a calorie deficit, then the energy you need to run your body has to come from somewhere, and so your body will use the energy stored in your fat and muscle to fuel itself. If you are eating at your maintenance level and you add in cardio, it can kick you into a calorie deficit, and therefore you will lose weight (again, fat and muscle). But it's not the CARDIO that burns fat. It's the deficit.
I realize that you may think this is a word game ... but it's not. It's crucial to understanding why some people might not lose weight, even though they work out a lot and do a lot of cardio.
Cardio in and of itself does not burn fat. To say it does is misleading and wrong.
In fact you can burn fat w/out ever doing cardio. You can burn fat by simply reducing your calories. You can burn fat by doing weight lifting only. You can burn fat by doing bodyweight exercises only. You can burn fat by doing everything in combination.
Again ... being in a calorie deficit causes your body to draw on energy reserves to burn fat. Whether you get that calorie deficit from eating less, from cardio, from weight lifting, or from a combination of all three is immaterial. It's the calorie deficit that counts.
Beyond that there are other applications to eating properly (balancing macros to skew the proportions towards fat loss and away from muscle loss), adding in weight lifting and strength training (also helping to maintain lean muscle and skewing the results towards fat loss), and cardio (increasing the caloric burn overall to increase the calorie deficit).
I am not posting this to be argumentative or to piss you off. I am posting this because it is crucial to understand the difference between "cardio burns fat" and "cardio burns calories". They are not the same thing.
Superstar922
New member
You said this (direct quote): You need to burn the fat off your belly (and other areas, of course) with cardio, THEN tone up with strength training.
I don't know how many effin times I have to say it, that statement does NOT mean that one is more important than the other!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Omfg....are you seroius?? Strength training and cardio can be done in the same working (as i've said 100 times before), but unless you can bench press and do the elliptical at the same time, you're going to need to do one before the other. That's what the then means. How many times do I have to say it?? It does NOT mean that one is more important than the other!
Stop misinterpreting me just so you can prove a point.
I don't know how many effin times I have to say it, that statement does NOT mean that one is more important than the other!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Omfg....are you seroius?? Strength training and cardio can be done in the same working (as i've said 100 times before), but unless you can bench press and do the elliptical at the same time, you're going to need to do one before the other. That's what the then means. How many times do I have to say it?? It does NOT mean that one is more important than the other!
Stop misinterpreting me just so you can prove a point.
Superstar922
New member
Whatever.
But where are those calories coming from? Are they just floating around in your body? The calories must be derived from somewhere right? I'm saying its coming from fat, esp when you are eating at a calorie deficit. But if you beg to differ, then fine. I'm so done arguing this. This is not what I signed up on this forum for.
I really don't see why you guys keep arguing and making points who's right and who's wrong. In my opinion no one here is wrong. Each and every person has their own way of losing their fat and it obviously works for them. I will be taking all your comments and use them to see what works best for me. Really no need to have a debate on which way is better.
Im sure one way would also be easier than the other and another way would be faster than the other but really there is no need for ANYONE to let me say "bitch and complain" about which way is better etc. Just put in what you say works for you. Someone else doesnt need to come in. Read their post and complain that it doesnt work. If they say it works, try it. You never know it could work for you which is exactly what im going to do.
So please guys, for the sake of these continous arguements. Stop. Im not getting annoyed with anyone in particular. I'm just saying. I honestly thought this was going to be a thread with only about 2-5 posts. But ended out being 30+. Sorry to anyone if I come off as harsh to you but seriously. All this needs to stop. =)
Im sure one way would also be easier than the other and another way would be faster than the other but really there is no need for ANYONE to let me say "bitch and complain" about which way is better etc. Just put in what you say works for you. Someone else doesnt need to come in. Read their post and complain that it doesnt work. If they say it works, try it. You never know it could work for you which is exactly what im going to do.
So please guys, for the sake of these continous arguements. Stop. Im not getting annoyed with anyone in particular. I'm just saying. I honestly thought this was going to be a thread with only about 2-5 posts. But ended out being 30+. Sorry to anyone if I come off as harsh to you but seriously. All this needs to stop. =)
KaraCooks
New member
eXiilez, when you ask a question about how to do something and get information that is wrong, it makes it harder for you to achieve your goals. It's not my intention to argue or bicker. It's my intention to make sure that the information that gets posted here is as accurate as it can be. Letting incorrect information stand is detrimental to everyone - not just the original poster of the thread.
I appreciate that "in your opinion" no one is wrong ... but wrong information has been posted. Sure everyone can lose weight different ways, but I do believe it's important for people to understand the why's and wherefores correctly.
At any rate. I wish you luck with your goals.
I appreciate that "in your opinion" no one is wrong ... but wrong information has been posted. Sure everyone can lose weight different ways, but I do believe it's important for people to understand the why's and wherefores correctly.
At any rate. I wish you luck with your goals.
I was out today with a friend and he does alot of weight lifting and running marathons etc. I told him what I'm trying to do and hes pretty much told me what you guys have said too but he said most of my stomach isnt fat? I cant 100% recall what he said but its lets put it this way. Relaxed muscle. I dont know if that makes any sence to anyone but its not fat from what he said. Is he in the wrong here or is that possible?
KaraCooks
New member
You said that you can tighten your muscles and feel definition behind the "bulge" right? Then that bulge - the potbelly part - is fat.
Honestly I can't imagine what your friend is talking about with "relaxed muscle". That's not a term I've ever heard before and I don't know what it might be describing.